Working with Partners: Sonoma County Water Agency—Partner of the Russian River HFA

The mission of the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) is to effectively manage the water resources in their care for the benefit of people and the environment through resource and environmental stewardship, technical innovation, and responsible fiscal management. As a key partner in the Russian River HFA, SCWA works closely with NOAA to model salmonid rearing habitat in the estuary. In an area where fish habitat depends on seasonal changes and human impacts, this model uses information about water quality and quantity to help SCWA make management decisions that maximize estuarine habitat for coho salmon and steelhead trout.

Partnerships are a critical component of the Habitat Focus Area approach. Partners provide technical and on the ground support in the Focus Areas to advance our shared goals of improving habitat conditions for fish and coastal communities.